Malayalis' Lalettan turning 65

Mohanlal is a celebration of Malayalis, even across generations. Years have passed since Mohanlal entered the hearts of Kerala with his lighthouse-like laugh and a shoulder that is tilted to one side. Mohanlal has played so many great characters on screen, making people laugh, think and cry. There are still many more great roles left for him to do. The acting king is celebrating his sixty-third birthday tomorrow.

Mohanlal, born on May 21, 1960, as the second son of Viswanathan Nair and Shanthakumari in Pathanamthitta, is today known as Lalettan to children and adults alike. Mohanlal spent his childhood in a traditional house in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram. After completing his school education at Model School in Thiruvananthapuram, Mohanlal obtained a B.Com degree from MG College, Thiruvananthapuram. Lal, who had won awards for best drama actor during his school days, became involved with cinema when he joined the college.

When his friends founded the Bharat Cine Group, Mohanlal made his debut on the silver screen on September 3, 1978, with the film ‘Thiranottam’ produced by that company. However, this film was not released. Later, the face of the unique talent named Mohanlal appeared on the big screen with Manjil Virinja Pookkal directed by Fazil. Mohanlal, who played the villain in the film, caught the attention of the audience. Later, he filled the silver screen as a hero, supporting actor and villain. Mohanlal rose to superstar status with Thampi Kannanthanam’s film Rajavinte Makan.

How many Mohanlal characters happened after that? Malayalis do not need to refresh their acquaintance with Mohanlal's characters. Mohanlal's performances on the silver screen as a villain, a comedian and a saviour are as familiar to us as stories of a family member. As one who is struggling without a job and as tears of those who are sad, Mohanlal's characters became part of Malayalees. Malayalees unanimously called superstar Mohanlal 'Lalettan'. Apart from Malayalam, Mohanlal has also appeared in other language films.

Mohanlal's notable other language films include 'Company' directed by Ram Gopal Varma and 'Iruvar' directed by Mani Ratnam. When Mohanlal played the role of Anandan in 'Iruvar', it became a source of pride for Malayalis. Mohanlal is currently preparing to share the screen with Rajinikanth in the film Jailer-2.

Lalettan's birthday comes this year as Thudarum continues its triumphant journey at the theatres as one of the highest-grossing films at the Malayalam box office. The shooting of Mohanlal's Hridayapoorvam, directed by Sathyan Anthikad, is progressing in Kochi.